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Abundance and Letting Go
Location : Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
Psyching Up to Leave
After 2 months, whatever I started here in Cagayan de Oro has been finished or at least can stand on its own. I've accomplished a lot. I've worked nearly 12-hour days since I got here, even burning the midnight candle during the Holy Week when I should be finding time for a much-needed break. With no loose ends left, it's usually time for me to go. I would do this dance in some new place, all over again.
![Abundance and Letting Go](/2013/apr/letting_go/images/letting_go.jpg)
Goodbye?
A few days before my hotel stay was to run out, and after completing and taking my web projects live, I was already prepared psychologically to leave Cagayan de Oro. In fact, I made no effort to continue my stay. I didn't knock on new hotel doors, but I kept communication with existing hotels I already made proposals to.
Am I Stupid or What?
Unlike most places where I can leave without thinking twice, Cagayan de Oro is special. I had to think many times over if I would be stupid enough to leave this place that has been spontaneously overflowing with abundance.
Why? By far, this place is that one destination where abundance rained on me. In fact, it continues to do so without abatement. And it does so with uncanny timing. It doesn't overwhelm me with a ton of work I can't handle. It paces me, giving me continuous work one project at a time, not just from CDO but all over, with no dead moment. When I arrived CDO, I was in the red. Now, just 2 months later, I've managed to pay up all my loans with loose change left in my pocket to do some backpacking without having to worry about the web (given my meager needs). That's really nice. Beyond generous, Cagayan de Oro is magnanimous. I have no doubt whatsoever that if I continue my stay here, at the rate abundance is raining down on me, that I can pretty much save enough to live on Easy Street. But is that the point?
Know When to Say Enough
I am reminded of a parable about a fisherman on his boat, out on the deep end, who snagged a golden chain. He kept pulling on the chain thinking he was getting richer as he pulled up. He wouldn't stop. Greed got the better of him. At some point, his boat took in water until it capsized. Moral lesson? Know when to say enough. Cagayan de Oro has given me more than enough. It almost feels greedy to stay longer just for the purpose of abundance. Ideally, I should just let life take me where it takes me. If the call of the open road beckons, then without hesitation, I should pack up and leave even if it means walking away from fortune and fame.
Way of the Tao
With my loose change now, I don't have to knock on hotel doors for a roof over my head. I can simply pay my own modest lodging wherever I end up. Unlike before, when my hotel days were coming to a close, I'd be a hamster on a wheel banging on other hotel doors. Now, I have that rare privilege not to do anything...the ultimate Way of the Tao. After doing my due diligence, I can simply step back and watch as life unravels before me...telling me where I should go or what to do, completely independent of any effort on my part to steer how things go. Indeed, not too many people get that privilege. We're all hamsters on a wheel - consumed by a sense of urgency either for immediate food on the table or an imagined need to be on top of the food chain.
Not Just Yet
I was on this precarious threshold when I received a text from a hotel owner, "It's a GO :) approved na". Whoa! What just happened here? Interesting. Suddenly, I have another hotel to take shelter in. I don't have to leave Cagayan de Oro - not just yet. Life seems to have extended plans for me here. What? I have no clue. Like a good soldier, I simply cover my bases, get fit, ensure all kinks are ironed out, immediately address all issues, and again, wait for the next cue. In the meantime, I'll write this blog.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
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(Apr 4, 2013) A kind man deserves such blessings! Miss you Git! Take care!
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(Apr 4, 2013) Can I take part in that proposal?
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(Apr 4, 2013) Bring it on! Miss our chats Gigit! Look for Inday Bacareza of Bohol Trading. She's lovely. I know her son, they came to Dumaguete before.
»» next story: Chavez's Death...Inoculated Cancer?
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About Cagayan de Oro
About Cagayan de Oro:
Cagayan de Oro, fondly referred to as "City Of Golden Friendship" is the northern gateway to the rest of Mindanao. Because of its stable peace and order situation, commerce is bustling fueled by local and foreign investments.
Cagayan de Oro in a nutshell
- Economy - business hub of Northern Mindanao region with its economy largely based on industry, commerce, trade, services and tourism
- Climate - no typhoons all year round, tropical climate with an average temperature whole year round of 280C (820F)
- Tourist attractions - white water rafting and river trekking, Monigue Cave, Malasag Eco-tourism Village, Macahambus Adventure Park, F.s. Catanico Falls, McArthur Park, Xavier Museum
- Land area - 488 square kilometers
- Geography - located in northern Mindanao, along a narrow coastal plain with its south flanked by the plateaus and mountains of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte.
- Religion - 87% of the population are Roman Catholic
- Education - it is home to 3 private universities, Capitol University, Liceo de Cagayan University and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan and considered the educational capital of the region
- Language - the main language is Cebuano with English used primarily for business and in the academe. Tagalog is also spoken.
- Shopping - Night Cafe And Market, Limketkai Mall Center, SM City, Robinsons, Gaisano City Mall, Market City, Centrio Ayala Mall and (soon to open) Paseo Mall
- Population - 621,000 in 2010
- Transportation - one can easily roam around the city by any means of land transportation
- Medical Facilities - there are eight major well-equipped private and government-run hospitals
Google Map of Cagayan de Oro
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
How to get to Cagayan de Oro
How to Get to Cagayan de Oro by Air
Cagayan de Oro is major destination in the Philippines and all major airline companies have flights to Cagayan de Oro. CDO arrival is at Lumbia Airport. To get to the city, you can ride a cab (~P300) or take a Carmen-bound jeep (30 mins, P17)
- PAL Express - has flights to CDO coming from Manila and Davao
- Cebu Pacific - has flights to CDO coming from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and Zamboanga
- Philippine Airlines - has flights to CDO coming from Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Davao
- TIP: unlike GenSan or Busuanga where you are forced to take a cab or van from the airport, in CDO, you can just walk out of the airport and cross the street and flag down a jeep that will take you straight to downtown CDO, to Cogon Market or Carmen. 45 mins (because they stay long on nearly every major stop, waiting for more passengers), less than P20.
![how to get to Cagayan de Oro](/images/i_bus.gif)
- Philtranco - Manila (Pasay) to Cagayan de Oro, 42 hours, non-aircon, departs Manila 10:30am daily
- Bus - from Malaybalay, P375, aircon 6.5 hours (some road repair)
![how to get to Cagayan de Oro](/images/i_ship.gif)
- Super Ferry 2Go Travel - Manila to CDO, 33 hours
- Accommodation and Rates (as of Mar 2013)
- Mega Value Class - Php 1500
- Tourist Class - Php 1350
- Stateroom for 2 - Php 2400
- Manila to CDO schedule
- Negros Navigation - Manila to CDO, 33 hours, Manila (02)554.8777, CDO (088) 856.9114
- Accommodation (as of Mar 2013)
- Suite Room Accommodation
- Admiral Cabin Accommodation
- Business Class Accommodation
- Tourist Class Accommodation
- Tatami Economy Class Accommodation
- Budget Class Accommodation
- Schedule of St. Micheal the Archangel (as of Mar 2013)
- depart Manila Mondays at 3:00 p.m. - arrive Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday 4:30 a.m.
- depart Manila Thursdays at 11:59 p.m. - arrive Cagayan de Oro City on Saturday 9:00 a.m.
- Sulpicio Lines - Manila to CDO, 33 hours
Cagayan de Oro Blogs
2023
2013
2009
Brief History
- 1622 - the Spaniards set foot on Cagayan de Oro initiating the start of Spanish colonization in the area. This started a war with the Moros who didn't appreciate the locals siding with the Spanish priests
- 1739 - moro raids menaced the population of "Little Cagayan" prompting the construction of a fort, Fuerza Real de San Jose
- 1870 - Cagayan de Oro, now the capital of Misamis Province, experiences its golden age of arts and literature
- 1898 - the 333 years of Spanish rule came to an end giving the Cagayanons a brief taste of independence
- 1900 - the Americans arrived and occupied the city thru military might
- 1942 - with WWII in full swing, the occupying Americans surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army
- 1945 - the Americans regain control of Cagayan and the region. WWII ended soon thereafter, with the surrender of the Japanese
- 2011 - Typhoon Sendong sends torrential flood waters from the mountains into the city wreaking havoc and killing hundreds as the Cagayan de Oro river overflowed. The people demonstrated resilience and tenacity with their rebuilding efforts
Cagayan de Oro Attractions
Not to be Missed in CDO:
- Divisoria - visit CDO on a Friday or Saturday and eat varied BBQ offerings at the famous Night Cafe in Divisoria. It's also great for shopping and getting an outdoor massage (full body massage P100)
- River Rafting - see selection below
Dahilayan Adventure Park - 840m zipline, Dropzone (pendulum swing from 120 feet), pedal-ride on a forest canopy, team-building rope course and mountain lodge (read Blog)
![hotels](/images/hotel.gif)
Uptown Condotel - Cagayan de Oro's first and only luxury condotel, fully furnished, near SM
Hotel Conchita - central location in Cagayan de Oro, near Ayala Mall, Limketkai Mall and Divisoria
De Luxe Hotel - centrally located and short walk from Centrio Ayala Mall, Limketkai Mall and Divisoria
![cagayan de oro outdoor_activities](/images/icon/outdoor_activities.gif)
Dahilayan Adventure Park - experience Asia's longest dual zipline and warp-speed to 90kph
- Sumalsag Cave - technical caving requiring a submerged dive to exit the cave. Sumilao, Bukidnon
- Sprint Multisport Shop - Corrales corner Ramon Chavez St., 9000 Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
- Jatico Adventures - zipline, big swing, bungee tramp, zorb, boot camp, Sitio Mahayahay, Bayanga
- Macahambus Adventure Park - rafting, zipline, rappeling, skybridge, caves, Barangay Bayanga
![cagayan de oro spa](/images/icon/spa.gif)
Iaso Spa - Uptown CDO's refuge for body scrubs, soothing massage, sauna and jacuzzi treat
- 3K Thai - Capistrano St., 714.918
- Body Touch - Rosario Strip 856.1519 and Robinsons Mall, Limketkai, 856.3127
- Fai Thai - Velez St., 714.528
- La Cabana - CM Recto Ave., 856.4168
- Nuat Thai - Papa Juanitos Square, Florentino St., 857.5877
- Palm Day - San Agustin St., 857.2862
- Red Fern - Velez-Chaves St., 852.1855
- Sentara - Limketkai Drive, 856.8870
![White Water Rafting in CDO](/images/paddle.gif)
Great White Rafting Tours - discover pure adrenaline with our professional guides (read Blog)
- Bugsay Whitewater Rafting - San Agustin - Velez
- Eco Extreme Rafting Adventure
- Golden Friendship White Water Rafting
- Rafting Adventure Philippines - #86 Jongko Bldg. Arch. Hayes Street, CDO
- Kagay Whitewater Rafting - #21 Pres. Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro City
- Pinoy Whitewater Tubing - by De Oro Mountain Explorers (DOME)
![beaches in CDO](/images/resort.gif)
- Chali Beach Resort - Cugman CDO, GPS Waypoint: N 08 28.334 E 124 42.097, from Xavier University, take RD jeep and ask to be dropped-off at Chali Beach, P13, 30 mins. P100 consumable. Not for beach-swimming, pool (P100 extra), relaxing sea breeze, good food in resto, www.chalibeachresort.com (the old domain, www.chalibeach.com does not work anymore)
- Roan Beach Resort - Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental, P100 open cottage, P300 big cottage, no entrance fee
- Apple Tree Resort & Hotel - Brgy. Taboc, Cagayan de Oro (formerly : Lauremar Beach Resort)
- Yasay Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- Marvilla Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- San Pedro Beach Resort - Opol, Misamis Oriental, consumable entrance fee, 45 mins from CDO proper, P40, beach hut P200
- Duka Bay Resort - Medina, Misamis Oriental, shaded by ancestral trees, 7 villas
- Lyka's Blue Lagoon Beach Resort - Misamis Oriental
- Acuna Beach - Baloy, Cagayan de Oro
- Bonbon Beach - Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro
- White Beach - white sand
- Baagas Beach - Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro
![heritage sites, landmarks, attractions](/images/spotlight.gif)
- St. Agustine Cathedral and Garden - destroyed several times by fire and bombing, fully rebuilt
- Cagayan de Oro City Museum - located at the converted Water Tower
- Gaston Park - gathering place by locals for social interaction
- Divisoria - popular during Friday and Saturday nights for its Night Cafe alfresco bbq
- Golden Friendship Park - located along the Divisoria stretch
- Macahambus Cave, Hill and Gorge - great outdoor trekking and caving, free
- River Taxi Cruise - starts at Liceo Cagayan University going downstream to the Cagayan de Oro river mouth
![Cagayan de Oro Malls](/images/shopping_bag.gif)
- Ayala Centrio - newest mall to open in CDO; 4 cinemas, C.M Recto Avenue and Corrales Street
- Gaisano Mall - 6 branches, main mall located in CM Recto Ave., affordable shopping
- Limketkai Center - 4 cinemas (1 is under renovation), 66,000 square meters of store space
- SM Cagayan de Oro - 4 cinemas, shopping, restaurants, grocery, etc., located Uptown
![map of CDO](/images/map.gif)
![link](/images/link.gif)
CDO >> Davao City by bus
CDO has 2 bus stations - West Terminal Bulua and East Terminal Agora. For Davao, you have to take a jeep going to Agora.
- CDO West Terminal (Bulua) - if you came from Iligan, you would be getting off at trhe Bulua West Terminal. Take a jeep to East Terminal (Agora Terminal), 20 mins, PHP 20
- CDO East Terminal (Agora) - take bus going to Davao City, 8 hours, PHP 875. This terminal is open 24 hours and there is always a bus going to Davao - no need to pre-purchase tickets
- Davao Bus Terminal - you'll arrive at the Davao Bus Terminal, close to SM City. From there you can take a cab ride to your hotel. There are many jeeps that will also take you to the Poblacion town center, 15 mins, PHP 12
CDO >> Iligan by bus
CDO has 2 bus stations - West Terminal Bulua and East Terminal Agora. For Iligan, you have to take a jeep going to Bulua West Terminal.
- CDO East Bus Terminal (Agora) - 24 hours, if you came from Davao, you'll be disembarking at the Agora East Terminal. Take a jeep going to West Bus Terminal (Bulua), 30 mins, PHP 20.
- CDO West Terminal (Bulua) - 24 hours, take a bus going to Iligan. Many buses going west (Pagadian, Zamboanga, Plaridel, etc.) will pass by Iligan - just ask the bus conductor. 2 hours (1.5 hours night trip), PHP 200 (SC P160). You will get off at the Tambo Integrated Bus Terminal in Iligan
- Tambo Integrated Bus Terminal - from the terminal, take a jeep to City Proper and it will pass by the Iligan Port, 30 mins, 15 PHP (if you intend to take a boat out of Iligan)
CDO >> Lazi, Siquijor by boat
Cagayan de Oro to Lazi, Siquijor route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Lazi from Davao meant going to Iligan after CDO, adding 3 hours on the trip. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed.
- CDO Port - take Kho Shipping to Lazi, W-F-Sun, 6 hours, CDO departure 5 pm, arrival in Lazi Port 11 pm, economy Pxxxx, tourist Pxxxxxx.
![Cagayan de Oro to Lazi](/philippines/cagayandeoro/images/cdo_lazi.jpg)
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